CYBEX Solution T i-Fix

With an incredible nine-year life span, the Solution T i-Fix high-backed car seat will be a constant companion throughout all the twists and turns of childhood – until your little one is twelve years old.

It is packed with safety features like a patented reclining headrest helping to keep your child’s head in a safe position throughout your journey, as well as advanced Linear Side-impact Protection. An adjustable headrest and automatic width adjustment means that you can react fast to sudden growth spurts. And a cooling air ventilation system keeps the rides comfortable all year round.

Testing the CYBEX Solution T i-Fix

Mum-of-two Emily put the CYBEX Solution T i-Fix to the test with her 3-year-old son who was growing out of his previous seat. Emily wanted something that would be value for money and stand the test of time. Here's how she got on with the Solution T i-Fix:

"I really love this product, it’s great it has the ISOFIX connectors making it feel so secure in the car, I love the clear visual indicators so you know when it's clicked in properly. The safety features are brilliant which is so reassuring when looking for a car seat as a parent. The padding feels superior to others on the market, especially around the head, there is a lot more side and head padding/ protection than on my daughter's car seat.

"My son feels so grown up in it, and he loves that you can tilt the head back if he wants to have a sleep, a feature I also love! I hate seeing my little ones slumped over in the car if they have nodded off, it must be so uncomfortable -  the reclining feature stops that completely and makes him comfy. He also finds it easy to hop in and out the car seat, making it much easier than his previous one to get the kids in and out of the car.

"Considering it has the ISOFIX base, the car seat isn't too heavy either, which is great if switching to my husband's car or when the kids go to stay with their grandparents. It’s easy to manoeuvre to other cars and Isofix is easy enough to attach to your car adaptors. It is a little more tricky to fix in than just with a seat belt alone, but it is safer, and honestly once you're used to it you just click it in and go.

"The only con I can think for the car seat is its price, it is more expensive than some car seats on the market so it may be out of some people's price ranges, but it's a long-term investment. In my opinion, it’s well worth the price for a superior car seat, the quality of the product is excellent and it lasts until they're around 12 which is amazing. You get what you pay for.

"In fact, the only change I’d make to the product is simple and trivial but it would be great to have a cup holder included, you can buy one separately but for the price, I think it should come with the car seat."

Final thoughts

"I would 100 per cent recommend the CYBEX Solution T i-Fix. It looks great in the car, it definitely looks secure with my son in it. I love that it extends as the child grows and goes all the way up to 12 years. I haven’t had to wash it yet but the covers look easy enough to remove. Bonus is my son absolutely loves it so no battles to get him in the car seat!"

CYBEX Solution T i-Fix FAQs

Will this car seat fit in my vehicle?

It is important to check whether the car seat is compatible with your vehicle before you purchase it. The child car seat can be installed on any vehicle seat with the ISOFIX locking arms stored, by using a 3-point automatic belt. The installation with ISOFIX is not possible in all vehicles. Please check whether the installation is allowed on the typelist included with the car seat or Car Compatibility Checker on the CYBEX Website. If your vehicle is not listed, please contact the CYBEX Customer Service team.

Is it normal that the car seat’s backrest moves, and there is space between vehicle seat and car seat?

Yes, the backrest is adjustable. Therefore it can adapt perfectly to any vehicle seat. In the event of an accident, the backrest moves slightly forward with your child, and is therefore able to secure the whole body early on.

My car seat is faulty, how can I get it repaired?

Please refer to the retailer where you bought your CYBEX car seat. They will deal with the matter on your behalf.

Where can I get replacement parts for my product?

You can order replacement parts from a specialist retailer near you. To find a store near you, simply go to the Store Locator on the CYBEX Website.

How do I correctly secure my child in the seat?

Please observe the instructions in the User Guide. Adjust the child car seat to the size of your child and make sure that he or she is properly strapped in to ensure maximum safety.

Is it possible to use a car seat with an ISOFIX System in a vehicle without ISOFIX anchorage points?

While this CYBEX car seat is equipped with an ISOFIX System, it can also be installed in vehicles without ISOFIX anchorage points by turning the ISOFIX locking arms 180° inwards and sliding them into the booster seat. Both the child and the car seat can then be secured using only the 3-point vehicle belt.

How can I clean my car seat?

Car seats can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth. Sand or other dirt beneath the cover can also be removed in this way. To clean the plastic parts of the car seat wipe them with a cloth using a mild detergent and warm water. (Warning: Please do not use chemical detergents or bleaching agents under any circumstances.) Please note that a car seat should never be dismantled for cleaning. Please always refer to your car seat’s user manual when carrying out care and maintenance on your car seat. Generally the seat covers are machine washable at a maximum temperature of 30˚C on a delicate cycle. If you wash them at a higher temperature, the cover fabric might lose its color or shrink. Please wash the cover separately and never dry it by machine or in direct sunlight. (Warning: Only the cover of the car seat can be machine washed. The car seat itself is not machine washable.) Should you wish to clean a car seat more thoroughly than recommended above, you will have to have it cleaned professionally. Please ask the retailer who sold you the car seat to refer you to a professional service.

How should the headrest be adjusted?

Only a headrest adjusted to the optimum height will give your child the best possible protection and comfort. The height can be adjusted to various positions. The headrest must be adjusted so there is no more than 2 cm between the child’s shoulders and the bottom of the headrest.

Can I use the car seat on laterally-facing vehicle seats?

It is not permitted to use the car seat on laterally-facing vehicle seats.

Can I use the car seat on rear-facing vehicle benches (e.g. in vans or minibuses)?

Yes. You can use this car seat on rear-facing vehicle benches as long as the vehicle bench is approved for use by adults and has a 3-point vehicle belt. The headrest of the vehicle bench should not be removed when fitting on a rear-facing seat.

What should I bear in mind when installing the car seat in my vehicle?

Before purchasing the car seat it is important to check if it is approved to be used in your vehicle. Refer to the Car Compatibility Checker on the CYBEX Website to find out whether the car seat is compatible with your vehicle. Compatibility can also be checked with the Typelist that can be found attached to your car seat (please do not use any part of this car seat on its own or in combination with boosters, backrests or headrests from other manufacturers or from different CYBEX product lines). The car seat can be used only on vehicle seats which are equipped with an automatic 3-point vehicle belt. For proper protection of your child, it is essential to use and install the car seat according to the instructions given in the User Guide. The User Guide can be found attached to the car seat, or it can be downloaded on the CYBEX Website.

Where should I install a car seat in my car?

The safest place for a car seat is in the rear seat behind the front passenger seat. It may be possible to install a CYBEX car seat on other seats in the vehicle. You can find this information in our vehicle Type List which is available either online or along with the product when it is purchased.

How do I detach the cover?

The fabric cover has five parts which are fixed to the car seat with velcro, elastic bands or press studs. Once you have released the fasteners, the cover parts can be removed. First, undo the two press studs on the rear side of the frontal headrest cover part below the reclining headrest. Undo the velcro behind the reclining headrest as well. Then you can remove the first part of the headrest cover upwards. Activate the adjustment handle for the headrest and move it to one of the higher positions. Open the three press studs on the rear side of the headrest cover at the back of the car seat. Pull out the fabric at the decorative part surrounding the adjustment handle. Then pull the second headrest cover off forwards. Pull down the first, upper part of the backrest cover on the left and right side panel of the shoulder rest at the backside of the car seat and pull out the fabric at the decorative part surrounding the L.S.P. Then you can pull the cover off forwards. Remove the second, lower part of the backrest cover by pulling it forwards. Thread the six elastic bands out on the underside of the booster, undo the two press studs at the back and pull off the booster cushion cover forwards.

Stephanie Anthony is the Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.